Hanoi, estimated population 3,145,300 (2005), is the capital of Vietnam. From 1010 until 1802, it was the political centre of an independent Vietnam with a few brief interruptions. It was eclipsed by Hu during the Nguyen Dynasty as the capital of Vietnam, but served as the capital of French Indochina from 1887 to 1945. From 1945 to 1976, it was the capital of North Vietnam.
The city is located on the right bank of the Red River. Hanoi is located at 21-2- North, 105-51- East
Today's weather: 29C Scattered clouds. Warm.
The Day's Itinerary
Pre-departure meeting at 10am at Hoa Binh Hotel. The meeting will be about your trekking tour, and will be conducted by our local guide. This meeting will take place in the hotel foyer, and gives you a chance to meet the other people who will be in your group during the tour. After the meeting you are free until the City Tour in the afternoon, when we explore some of the sights of the City.
The Hoa Binh Hotel, Hanoi is set in the French quarter of Hanoi, a few minutes walk from Hoan Kiem Lake and the Hanoi Opera House. It is located in a charming renovated French architecture building.
Afternoon Tours
We will visit the Presidential Palace where Ho refused to live, choosing instead a small stilt house beside a lake. Close by, is the One Pillar Pagoda where we also stop. If open, we will also visit Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum, where Uncle Ho is laid out in state, surrounded by immaculately dressed soldiers. A drive around the beautiful West Lake takes us to the venerable Temple of Literature. The Army Museum is a must for all visitors. Not only does it cover a crucial period of Vietnamese history but also it is also comparatively well laid out and provides a large amount of English explanation. If you have the energy after that, an optional visit could be taken to the Ho Chi Minh Museum and the National Fine Arts Museum or why not stroll around Hanoi and admire the beautiful French architecture.
